Tamil Nadu shuts down for farmers; Stalin detained

Both factions of AIADMK, BJP, MDMK and TMC(M) are not participating in bandh

A day long bandh called in support of drought-hit farmers is being observed in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, with DMK working president M K Stalin courting arrest in the Cauvery delta region of Tiruvaur.

Stalin, along with cadres of the DMK took out a procession in Tiruvarur and was detained in a marriage hall. Police said, they will be released later.

Senior DMK leader and former Union Minister T R Baalu was among those who took part in the agitation in Tiruvarur.

Transport services and commodities have taken a hit in Tamil Nadu with multiple associations extending their support to the bandh call given by opposition parties on Tuesday. DMK, after a meeting with other opposition parties called for a shut down in support of farmers. With the bandh, the opposition wants to press on the state and central governments to yield to demands of farmers who were protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Bandh has brought autos, taxis and buses to a halt with the government attempting to ply at least a few dozen buses to avoid inconvenience to the public. Commodities have taken a hit with supply vehicles going on a strike. Chennai's largest market in Koyambedu will remain shut on Tuesday. While the government has not backed the bandh, shops and establishments have remained closed following associations' decisions to extend support to the bandh.

Opposition parties and business associations in Tamil Nadu have demanded that the farmers be given drought relief and their loans be waived off. While the bandh was called in shop of farmers in Jantar Mantar, it may be noted that they have suspended their protest temporarily.

(With input from agencies)